It’s a Pickle!

I thought I had a really interesting and heart warming story to tell.  It started out like the hallmark movies I like to watch. You see, I like these movies because there is a bit of drama at the beginning, a turn around and always a happy ending.  Yes, they are very predictable but I’m okay with that.  The movies that have me sitting at the edge of my seat dreading what comes next just aren’t my thing. My story I am telling needs the warning, “some readers may be disturbed by the content of this blog and it may not be suitable for all readers.”

Well, this story began along the shores of Bella Coola.  A baby seal was tangled in a net and the police were called.  Another call was made to Fish and Game.  They made their way over to do a rescue which is all another story.  They worked to untangle this little one and set him free.

The decision by the conservation side was to leave the baby there hoping that mama would return for it. This would have been when the producers of the Hallmark movie would have stepped in and had mommy seal appear and acknowledge thanks for the rescue. Since she didn’t show, the policeman’s desire was to take it home and bottle feed it.  

The policeman put up a trail cam after the first day to watch and the baby remained alone.  On the second day, Pickle was taken to the vet.  His breathing wasn’t good.  They hoped that they could stabilize him and he would be flown to the Vancouver Aquarium, restored to health and returned to live where he was born.

The story does not have the happy ending.  Pickle didn’t make it.

I’m so thankful for a son who has such a soft heart.  He has always wanted to save things.  When he was younger, he volunteered at an animal sanctuary where injured birds and animals were taken.  He has rescued a bird off the streets of Calgary and has been called the dog whisperer.

This time, there was a sad ending but he tried and I know that the next animal that needs help, he will be there.  There have been many happy endings in his rescue stories.  You only have to follow his Instagram to see that. My Rescue Family

He also rescues suitcases and people too…and it’s more than just being his job!

This blog is dedicated to Pickle💔….and Stephen. 💙

Goodbyes and a Canuck Encounter

The worst thing about visiting is the day that you have to say goodbye.  We got up this morning and Stephen and Kylie made waffles and bacon for us.  After being well fed and getting packed up, we decided to take the dogs for a walk.  

It is good for the dogs and better for us.  

We needed to keep moving and it helps a little dealing with the thought of leaving.

A little animal therapy is good for the soul.

Stephen and Kylie drove us to the airport and we tried to put on our brave faces.  We didn’t do a very good job.

We boarded the small plane and wiped our tears.

The spectacular views kept us snapping pics and wiping the tears.  It had been such a nice time.  We all needed this time.

We landed in Vancouver at the south terminal.  Sarah wanted to get a picture of the cockpit of the airplane.  

The pilot invited her right up to the copilot’s spot.  Why not?

We took the bus to the main terminal.  

At the terminal, we decided to walk the full length so we got off at the first stop.  Sarah suddenly stopped as she pointed out a Vancouver Canuck’s hockey bag.  She wanted to know who the player was. Ron noticed that he was checking goalie sticks.  We googled.  We thought it might be Kevin Lankinen.  As he walked towards us, Sarah asked, “are you Kevin?”  He smiled and said that he was.  

We asked if we could take a picture and he was very willing.  He was on his way back home and looking forward to next year.  Behind us a couple others were waiting to greet him.  Sarah walked away thrilled to have met him and is now thinking she may have to be a Canuck’s fan next year. After getting back to the hotel, we saw that he was one of the goalies for the Finland team at the four nations.  Pretty cool!

This encounter with a Canuck made Sarah’s day.  I don’t think her Starbucks’ drink could even top that.

We took the shuttle to the hotel and settled in for an evening of hockey.

Live Goes On

We woke up to rain.  Coffee always tastes better on stormy days.  This was our last full day here.  Kylie made us a big breakfast.  I sat on the deck with a blanket over my lap eating my breakfast. Stephen, Ron and I went for a drive to the ocean.  Even with heavy clouds and rainy skies, it was pretty.  

We went for an afternoon walk with the dogs.  The dogs enjoyed some time in the water.  We filled the rest of the afternoon with games and snacks.

Tomorrow we fly to Vancouver.  

Tonight we are sitting watching the election results roll in.  I’m thankful that I don’t put my trust in the government.  Life continues no matter who gets in as prime minister.  We need to choose to keep looking up, stand together and keep going.  

A Beautiful Day

Today our morning looked a little different with Stephen and Kylie being back.  It was a beautiful day and it was too nice to be inside.

We went for a nice walk in the morning.  

We spent some time at the water.  

Stephen and Sarah did some exploring and one of them got a wet foot.

Kylie watched on…

We had the scenery, the people and a beautiful day so time for some posed pictures.

In the afternoon, Stephen and Sarah went on the side by side.  

They saw some pretty sights.

 Sarah got to drive some and that was a neat experience for an almost 16 year old.

Another wonderful day!  Question of the day….can you say this word and what does it mean? 😃